Charity & Fundraising Policy

The Le Loop was conceived and created in 2006 by the Trustees of the William Wates Memorial Trust who remain very involved with the day to day running of the event.

The Trustees of the charity contribute untold amounts of time, energy, enthusiasm and financial backing to the running of the Le Loop. This commitment has enabled the event to become so successful and inclusive.

Throughout the lead up to the Le Loop, we try to introduce cyclists to the work of the charities and projects supported by grants from the William Wates Memorial Trust. We have speakers at our pub nights, include information about grants in our newsletters and try to introduce as many cyclists as possible to people who have benefited directly from WWMT-funded projects.

We aim to have as direct a link as possible between our cyclists and the recipient charities and we hope that these links will grow with the event.

The charity is our reason for being. It is at the heart of what makes the Le Loop special, and the feel of the event as it travels through France is unique because of everyone’s common fundraising achievements.

The charity aspect of the event might not be the original motivation for cyclists taking part in the Le Loop but the personal, friendly, family nature of the charity and event is noted and appreciated by everyone who joins us.

Due to the time, energy and financial input from the William Wates Memorial Trust, and because we wish to retain the special, inclusive, personal touch, we do not allow cyclists to use the Le Loop to raise money for any other charity.

This includes having to refuse requests from cyclists who wish to raise the minimum sponsorship for the William Wates Memorial Trust and then continue fundraising for another charity, or cyclists who wish to raise money for two or more charities via this event.

For more information on the William Wates Memorial Trust, please see www.wwmt.org

For more information on the Le Loop, or if you have any questions relating to the information above, please email: sarah@tourdeforce.org.uk